Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7977)

Bill Text
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that there should be an increased Federal commitment to public health and the prevention of diseases and injuries for all people in the United States. 7/31/2008--Introduced. Recognizes that it is imperative that the United States strengthen its public health system to provide people with the resources necessary to make healthier choices and live healthier lives and to protect people from health threats beyond their control.Commits to creating public health strategies to eliminate health disparities and improve the health of all people in the United States.Expresses support for prioritizing public policies focusing on the prevention of disease and injury and calls for community-based programs to support healthy lifestyles.Urges the expansion of clinical prevention activities, including screenings and immunizations.Pledges to help significantly improve people's health by supporting increased investment [...]

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Latest Action: 09/22/2008 - Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S9179-9185)

Bill Text
A resolution recognizing July 30 , 2008, as the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the resolution establishing the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs.

7/30/2008--Introduced.

Recognizes July 30, 2008, as the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the resolution establishing the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs, the substantial contributions the Committee made in ensuring that effective and efficient federal food assistance programs were accessible to those most in need, and that hunger continues to be an issue plaguing the United States.

Supports the continued efforts of federal, state, and local governments and private non-profit organizations to eradicate U.S. hunger.

Latest Action: 09/23/2008 - Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8686-8688)

Bill Text
Resolution expressing the sense of the House that there should be an increased public and private commitment prioritizing prevention and public health for all people in the United States. 7/29/2008--Introduced. Recognizes that it is imperative that this nation strengthen its public health system to provide all persons with the resources they need to make healthier choices and live healthier lives and to protect people from health threats beyond their control.Commits to creating public health strategies to eliminate health disparities and improve the health of all people in the United States.Expresses support for prioritizing public policies focusing on the prevention of disease and injury and calls for community-based programs to support healthy lifestyles.Urges the expansion of the prevention strategies of daily aspirin therapy, smoking cessation, colorectal cancer screening, annual flu immunizations, and breast cancer screening.Declares that the [...]

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Latest Action: 06/10/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Bill Text
A bill to require the President to call a White House Conference on Food and Nutrition.

6/10/2008--Introduced.

The White House Conference on Food and Nutrition - Directs: (1) the President to call the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition to be convened in order to make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to end hunger and to improve nutrition in the United States; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Treasury to plan and conduct the Conference.

Sets forth Conference provisions.

Latest Action: 05/22/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Bill Text
To require the President to call a White House Conference on Food and Nutrition.

5/22/2008--Introduced.

The White House Conference on Food and Nutrition - Directs: (1) the President to call the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition to be convened in order to make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to end hunger and to improve nutrition in the United States; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Treasury to plan and conduct the Conference.

Sets forth Conference provisions.

Latest Action: 06/18/2008 - Vetoed by President. (text of veto message: CR H5535)

Bill Text
To provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Introduced. Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 - Provides for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through FY2012.Revises agricultural and related programs, including provisions respecting: (1) commodity programs; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) horticulture and organic agriculture; (11) livestock; (12) crop insurance and disaster assistance; (13) socially disadvantaged and limited resource producers; and (14) miscellaneous programs.Directs the President to establish and maintain an importer declaration program with respect to the importation of softwood lumber and softwood lumber products.Establishes the Bill Emerson National Hunger [...]

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Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to prevent and cure diabetes and to promote and improve the care of individuals with diabetes for the reduction of health disparities within racial and ethnic minority groups, including the African-American, Hispanic American, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. 5/6/2008--Introduced. Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to: (1) conduct, coordinate, and support research and other activities with respect to pre-diabetes and diabetes in minority populations; and (2) conduct and support programs to treat diabetes in minority populations.Requires the Director of NIH, through the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to provide for: (1) health care professionals' mentoring; and (2) minority health professionals' participation in diabetes-focused [...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 3/14/2008 S2159)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend the food labeling requirements of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 to enable customers to make informed choices about the nutritional content of standard menu items in large chain restaurants. 3/13/2008--Introduced. Howard M. Metzenbaum Menu Education and Labeling Act or the MEAL Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require restaurants that are a part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same trade name to disclose: (1) in a statement adjacent to each menu item, the number of calories, grams of saturated fat plus trans fat, and milligrams of sodium in a standard food serving; (2) other information designed to enable the public to understand the significance of the nutrition information provided in the context of a total daily diet; (3) that such information shall be provided in writing upon request; and (4) in a statement adjacent to the name of the [...]

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Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1878-1879)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for disability savings accounts, and for other purposes. 3/11/2008--Introduced. Disability Savings Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax exemption for disability savings accounts that have a value of $250,000 or less and are established for beneficiaries under the age of 65 who are blind or disabled.Allows tax-free distributions from such accounts for certain services provided to account beneficiaries, including education services, respite care, clothing, therapy, nutritional management, and funeral and burial expenses.Allows tax credits for contributions of up to $2,000 made to a disability savings account and for certain entities that maintain disability savings accounts.Permits disability savings accounts to be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits and certain other means-tested federal programs.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human [...]

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Latest Action: 07/16/2008 - Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S6809-6817, S6820-6857)

Bill Text
A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 to provide assistance to foreign countries to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and for other purposes. 4/15/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Policy Planning and Coordination: (Sec. 101) Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 (Act) to revise the provisions of the President's comprehensive five-year global strategy (and related report) to combat HIV/AIDS. Directs the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally (Coordinator) to: (1) commission a study by the Institute of Medicine to assess progress and outcomes of U.S. global HIV/AIDS programs; and (2) publish a best practices report. Requires a report [...]

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Latest Action: 07/30/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 to provide assistance to foreign countries to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and for other purposes. 7/30/2008--Public Law.    (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on July 16, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Title I: Policy Planning and Coordination - (Sec. 101) Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 (Act) to revise the provisions of the President's comprehensive five-year global strategy (and related report) to combat HIV/AIDS. Directs the Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally (Coordinator) to: (1) commission a study by the Institute of Medicine [...]

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Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To amend the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to provide for the integration of food security and nutrition activities into prevention, care, treatment, and support activities. 12/19/2007--Introduced. Global HIV/AIDS Food Security and Nutrition Support Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to direct the Global AIDS Coordinator to: (1) ensure that an assessment of the food security and nutritional status of each patient enrolled in anti-retroviral medication treatment program is carried out; (2) provide food and nutrition support to each HIV-infected individual and his or her household for at least 180 days; (3) coordinate activities with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Secretary of Agriculture, and other relevant U.S. government departments and agencies; (4) develop indicators to measure the effectiveness of nutrition and food [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Bill Text
Recognizing the region from Manhattan, Kansas, to Columbia, Missouri, as the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, and for other purposes.

11/15/2007--Introduced.

Recognizes: (1) the region from Manhattan, Kansas, to Columbia, Missouri, including the metropolitan Kansas City area and St. Joseph, Missouri, as the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor; and (2) the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor as the national center of the animal health industry.

Latest Action: 11/02/2007 - Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Harkin. With written report No. 110-220. Additional views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.

11/2/2007--Introduced.

Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 - Revises agricultural and related programs and provisions respecting: (1) producer income; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development and investment; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) livestock marketing; and (11) agricultural security.

Latest Action: 10/24/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Bill Text
A bill to extend and improve agricultural programs, and for other purposes. 10/24/2007--Introduced. Farm, Ranch, Equity, Stewardship, and Health Act of 2007 - Amends the federal crop insurance program. Establishes: (1) a risk management account contract program; (2) a conservation planning pilot program; (3) a nutrient reduction and sediment control pilot program for the Chesapeake Bay watershed; (4) a national clean plant network; (5) an Office of Pest Management Policy; and (6) a program of hunger-free community collaborative and infrastructure grants. Extends and revises specified programs for: (1) commodity assistance; (2) conservation; (3) specialty crops; (4) food programs and nutrition, (5) agricultural trade; (6) rural development; (7) forestry; and (8) energy, including biobased products. Food Employment Empowerment and Development Program Act of 2007 or FEED Act of 2007 - Establishes the food employment empowerment and development program to [...]

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Latest Action: 10/22/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Bill Text
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend the food labeling requirements of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 to enable customers to make informed choices about the nutritional content of standard menu items in large chain restaurants. 10/18/2007--Introduced. Menu Education and Labeling Act or the MEAL Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require restaurants that are a part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same trade name to disclose: (1) in a statement adjacent to each menu item, the number of calories, grams of saturated fat plus trans fat, and milligrams of sodium in a standard food serving; (2) other information designed to enable the public to understand the significance of the nutrition information provided in the context of a total daily diet; (3) that such information shall be provided in writing upon request; and (4) in a statement adjacent to the name of the food on a menu board, the [...]

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Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To establish a program of research and other activities to provide for the recovery of the southern sea otter. 9/24/2007--Introduced. Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to carry out a recovery program for southern sea otter populations along the coast of California.Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a Southern Sea Otter Health Assessment Plan; (2) collect and analyze tissue samples from southern sea otters; and (3) submit the tissue to the Secretary of Commerce for inclusion in the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank to allow for managed access to such tissues by other researchers.Requires the Secretary to: (1) award competitive grants to support research regarding southern sea otters; and (2) establish and appoint the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Implementation Team to make recommendations on overall implementation of the southern sea otter recovery [...]

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Latest Action: 09/07/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1832)

Bill Text
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a national program to conduct and support activities toward the goal of significantly reducing the number of cases of overweight and obesity among individuals in the United States.

9/7/2007--Introduced.

Lifelong Improvements in Food and Exercise (LIFE) Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to carry out a national program to conduct and support activities regarding individuals who are overweight or obese in order to make progress toward the goal of significantly reducing obesity in the United States. Requires such activities to include: (1) training health professionals; (2) educating the public; and (3) developing and demonstrating intervention strategies for use at worksites and in community settings.

Latest Action: 08/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10817, S10820-110821)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding environmental education, and for other purposes. 8/2/2007--Introduced. No Child Left Inside Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require states, as a prerequisite to receiving implementation grants, to develop environmental literacy plans, approved by the Secretary of Education, for kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) that include environmental education standards and teacher training. Directs the Secretary to award Environmental Education Professional Development Grants to states and, through them, competitive subgrants to partnerships that include an LEA and, permissibly, institutions of higher education (IHE), other educational entities, or state or local natural resource or environmental agencies, for activities involving, among other things, teacher training and the operation of model environmental education programs. Authorizes the Secretary [...]

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Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To amend the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Public Health Service Act to set standards for medical diagnostic equipment and to establish a program for promoting good health, disease prevention, and wellness and for the prevention of secondary conditions for individuals with disabilities, and for other purposes. 8/1/2007--Introduced. Promoting Wellness for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2007 - Amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to issue and periodically review standards setting forth the minimum technical criteria for medical diagnostic equipment used in medical settings, to ensure that such equipment: (1) is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and (2) allows independent entry to, use of, and exit from the equipment by such individuals to the maximum extent possible. Applies such standards to examination tables and chairs, weight scales, mammography equipment, x-ray [...]

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